The nuances of Test cricket with the pink ball

The Day/Night Test may well be cricket's newest format, with the pink ball adding degrees of difficulty.

The science behind the pink cricket ball is primarily focused on its enhanced visibility under floodlights. It is achieved through a bright pink colour and a special coating that allows it to keep its shine longer, making it easier for players to track during D/N Tests where the red ball would be difficult to see in conditions where the light gets poor.

This extra shine also contributes to increased swing in the initial overs compared to a red ball.
Border-Gavaskar TrophyIncreased swing
Due to the extra shine from the coating, the pink ball can swing more, especially in the early overs of a match. It shows 20% more seam movement in comparison with the red ball.


Black stitching
Unlike the red ball with white seam, the pink ball has black seam to further improve visibility against the pink colour.

Extra lacquer
An extra coat of lacquer is used on the pink ball. Lacquer is a synthetic substance that prompts the ball to move faster off the surface, giving a skidding effect. It also feels heavier on the bat. The colour is chosen to contrast against the field and lighting.

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